
Sound Track: de finale!
Hundreds of artists tried their luck at Sound Track, the live sector and VI.BE's live and opportunity trail. From all the entries, the professional jury chose a total of 136 artists who were allowed to present theirselves live during the preliminary rounds to prove that they really are the sound of tomorrow.
During the weekends of October, 24 Antwerp artists presented themselves at Jeugdhuis Wollewei (Turnhout), Concertzaak (Mechelen), Het Bos (Antwerp) and Jeugdhuis De Moeve (Lier). The choice was extremely difficult, but the jury has decided. These 8 artists will defend Antwerp's pride during the final on December 18 in Trix:
- Deadbeat Larry
- Emma Hessels
- Imaginary Sister
- Mojo & The Kitchen Brothers
- plush baby
- Rapha
- Scottie
- WASTE
TIMING
- 6 pm: doors open
- 7 pm: start first act
- 11 pm: end of last act
- 11.30 pm: announcement winners
- the running order of the finalists will be announced on the evening of the final
Not only the professional jury, but also the public has a say this year: thanks to Lotto, there is also a public prize. In each region, Lotto hands out a check for 1,000 euros to the artist that will be named the crowd favorite of the evening.
After winning, the laureates chosen by the jury will start a tailor-made program: they will have a year full of personal guidance, coaching and support from the broad music sector, residencies in music clubs, support from graphic artists and photographers, recording time in professional studios, national exposure, foreign showcases and shows and much more. Each of them gets the chance to develop at their own pace.
Keep up to date with Sound Track via www.sound-track.be, Facebook and Instagram.
In collaboration with VI.BE, Studio Brussel, De Standaard, Knack Focus, Dansende Beren, Indiestyle and Luminous Dash.
Brand new Antwerp musical talent
DeadBeat Larry
Deadbeat Larry is the musical by-product of a corporate burnout, after 10+ years under various monikers and bands in the UK, Larry returns to his native Belgium, where a few singles were immediately picked up by 'Abattoir Anvers' (Studio Brussels), and joined the tour went with Zwangere Guy and Lander Ghyselinck.
In May 2023 he dropped his solo EP ''Voor de centjes'' with features from Zwangere Guy, Pasi, Luie Louis, Scottie, Calya J, Joelle Francis, and more.
In Trix he is working on a new album.
Emma Hessels
Emma Hessels creates intimate, small songs that explore grand, universal themes such as love, loneliness, and the search for meaning. Her music is a personal journey in which she explores her identity and the longing for recognition. This searching aspect is strongly reflected in her sound, which defies easy classification into one genre. Her songs range from dreamy and fragile to powerful and soulful, but one element remains constant: her unique, soulful voice. Through her authentic and emotional approach, she strikes a sensitive chord, with each song revealing a piece of her inner world.
Imaginary Sister
Antwerp indie folk duo Imaginary Sister creates silhouettes of songs with minimalist arrangements and a softly rustling voice.
“Everything could just as well have been different, and that which is is therefore no more important than that which is not”.
Kathy Vanhout and Vik Hardy wrote and recorded their debut album in a falling apart apartment on the Antwerp Leien, between dusty books, plants and creaking floors. With microphones aimed at peeling walls, the character of the space is an indispensable reality on the album.
The title of the album "We became quite good at hesitating" refers to the years of working together, hesitating, scrapping and starting over from the duo that decided after 8 years to embrace pure and raw creativity. The result is a collection of sketchy short stories, sung in whispers by a voice that is at times reminiscent of Hope Sandoval or Jane Birkin.
Mojo & The Kitchen Brothers
Drift off to the five-headed Mojo & The Kitchen Brothers’ progrock. Their music will have you in a delicious limbo between current and passed times.
plush baby
The duo Caitlin Talbut (BLOND, BLUAI) and Nicolas Anné (Saving Nico) produce crystal clear, energetic pop songs about growing up in your twenties in an increasingly crazy world. Strange themes captured in the most recognizable feelings. Wonderfully rolling melodies, the right dose of drama and humor. 2023 Soundtrack Finalist.
RAPHA
RAPHA knew from a young age that music was her calling. In 2019, she joined Fabric Magic, where she sang in the choir. Just a year later, she won MNM Rising Star, opening the door to national radio exposure. Her debut single “Funny” quickly landed in Belgium’s Top 50 and set the tone for her fresh, honest sound. In 2023, she won the music competition Soundtrack, which led to her first international performance in Scotland. Most recently, she opened for Oski in a sold-out show at De Roma, yet another milestone in her growing musical journey.
RAPHA creates relatable and emotional songs for anyone who’s ever felt lost in the chaos of life. Through her music, she aims to create a safe space for those who feel misunderstood or alone, and she uses her platform to spark open conversations about mental health.
Her debut EP 'Circus' drops May 16th. It tells the story of the “clown of the group”—the person who keeps everyone laughing while secretly falling apart. Through each track, RAPHA lets the mask slip, revealing the self-doubt, and healing underneath.
Scottie
Hertier Hitimana, better known as Scottie, is an Antwerp-based rapper, singer, and producer. At the age of 12, Scottie begins making beats and writing lyrics. The young artist is influenced by various genres including African music, soul, and 90s/00s hip-hop. His broad musical taste and unique vocal style already establish him as one of the most versatile hip-hop artists in Belgium.
WASTE
WASTE is a metaphorical cry of destructiveness and melancholy. Their call resonates through the Antwerp - Aarschot music scene, whilst their true nature exists of flaming noise, grunge and dark post-punk.
Expect melancholic vocals with manic outbursts, tight pumping drums, heavy basslines and screeching guitars when watching this band tear down the stage.
Stories of neglect, rage, madness and trauma flow together in a spicy cocktail of insanity. The dark and unspoken realms of the world, served on a silver platter.